Knee replacement surgery RECOVERY

[LittleMG]

Hi could you please tell me about your experiences recovering from knee replacement surgery. My mum was in a bad way and really couldn’t have the surgery a day too soon but the recovery has been awful. She says the pain is horrendous, she always feels sick and tired. We’re three weeks in and she’s doing most exercises but can’t do all and she’s still not able to get up and make a cup of tea for example. She can only get up for the toilet she says she can’t do anything else. I’m getting really worried, she’s saying she wishes she’d not had it done! When will it start improving? She’s been on a few different types of pain killers and anti sickness meds but nothing seems to really work. Help!!

I don’t have personal experience so may not be useful but my friend had one five years ago when she was in her late forties. She also felt very unwell for quite a while afterwards. Initially they were concerned that it was some sort of infection but eventually it was put down to a probable viral illness she had picked up and just bad luck. She said that the pain was horrendous and and any movement was really difficult. She was otherwise fit prior to the surgery. She regretted having it for quite a while but has no regrets now and is waiting to have the other one done.

I hope your poor mother sees some light at the end of the tunnel soon 💐

You need to keep pushing for pain relief alternatives until they find one that works for her. The trick is to stay on top of the pain so that she can mobilise..then that will get her recovery moving. If she is not moving to try and avoid pain its a vicious circle. There are loads and loads of pain alternatives, they will find something that works for her if you keep on at them.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. We’re down the drs later, she’s shaky and feel’s dreadfully sick. 🤷‍♀️

HOw is she doing now, did you get any help from the doctor?

My DM had hers done and we were also shocked by how terrible the recovery was!
she needed stronger pain relief….GP prescribed opiates.
I got GP to refer to Occupational therapy who came and brought aids like a raised toilet seat, perching stool, long shoe horn.
make sure she’s icing her knee regularly.
physio post op was also hideous in terms of pain!

We've had quite a few people have this kind of surgery at work. They have all assumed they'll be in some pain but with painkillers they'll be good to wfh or come in by public transport within a couple of weeks.

The reality is that all of them have reported feeling really rather unwell, as well as in pain for up to six weeks.

She still needs to see a doctor but I don't think her experience is that unusual.

@SeaToSki thanks for remembering us! Dr took her off of all pain killers apart from ibuprofen and gave her a thorough check over. She’s now so much better we went out today for a cup of tea! Unbelievable really, she was so ill we think a bad reaction to pain killers?? But it does hurt still but she says she feels more herself. I’m so relieved, she’s doing exercises and walking. Thanks for everyone’s replies it’s been such a worry x

My mother was 75 when changed both her knees in another country and recovered completely and walks, does gardening, etc. Haven't heard of big issues

I had mine done 6 weeks ago (54 yr old work full time) I underestimated the level of pain I would be in and the bruising. However I have been taking very good painkillers CoCodamol 30/500 since I came home from hospital along with ibuprofen ( first 2 weeks ) and a GP prescriptions for constipation.

It's vital that she is doing her physio/exercises multiple times a day, it why they provide such good pain relief, take the medication and wait 30 minutes then do the exercises then 6hrs later repeat.

It does hurt and will hurt for some months but the pain does get less. Is she using ice on her knee to help with swelling and pain? I found that helped immediately before and after the exercises. Also resting with the legs elevated for a couple of hours a day to help with pain and swelling also helps.
My mum had both hers done a year apart at 55 and 56 and I saw how vital doing the exercises was for her as she had full mobility and pain free in 6 months.
Feel free to ask any more questions I will answer if I know and can possibly signpost if not.

It took me over a year to get over the operation. Pain at first was so debilitating, and nothing, even oramorph, helped.
Admittedly my knee was in poor shape before the op, due to a previous accident, and I still can't bend it properly.
What really helped me was hydrotherapy. My consultant signed me up with a local physio who worked out of a hotel with a lovely pool. After my treatment I would spend time in their spa pool which really helped the pain.
My other knee now needs doing but I'm putting it off as long as possible!